The Tafel Refugee Integration Project Fund

Summary

The number of people, especially refugees, seeking help at the Tafel has sharply increased. Local Tafel initiatives have a variety of ways to address the challenges like language barriers, food and volunteer shortages or increased conflict potential, and this fund offers financial support for the best concepts.

Challenge

The Tafel provide food assistance to any people in need of help regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, language, or other status. The 900+ local Tafel initiatives help more than 200,000 refugees; last year it was half as many. This rapid increase is projected to continue, while many Tafel are already operating at or beyond capacity. Over 60,000 Tafel volunteers need support in order to meet this challenge.

Solution

The Refugee Integration Project Fund helps Tafel adapt to their local demography, meet increasing demand and promote social cohesion. This fund supports projects that go beyond the distribution of food: cooking and language courses, community cafes, clothing donations, anti-racism projects and collection points for household goods or bicycles. The Tafel are a social space and initial contact point for refugees where they can e.g. access further counseling options and other basic service

Long-Term Impact

About 1.5 million people come to the Tafel for help. Projects supported by the fund promote solidarity between marginalized groups of people and also diffuse hostility and jealousy that can arise when resources are limited. The activation and acquisition of skills in courses, projects, tandems or volunteer work all promote Integration into society. This in turn increases individuals' social mobility, expanding their social and professional networks to give them a chance to support themselves.

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